World Languages & Cultures

2023 Outstanding Seniors
Learn about our nominated Outstanding Seniors in World Languages & Cultures and read their advice to students.
Major In:
Cultural Studies
Arabic
Italian
Korean
Persian
Portuguese
Learn about the emphases in our new World Languages & Cultures major
Welcome to World Languages & Cultures!
The Department of World Languages & Cultures is the largest and most diverse in the College, culturally and programmatically. Our programs and courses offer multiple opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study in language, literature, culture, and language education. All foreign languages and their respective literatures at the University of Utah are taught in the Department, which provides students with a forum for research and education in more than 20 linguistic and literary traditions.
Why World Languages & Cultures? HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS & ALUMNI

Placement Testing
The WLC Department is now offering virtual language placement testing for students who would like to be placed into the appropriate language class or who would like to purchase lower-division language credits. Click the link below for the most current information about language placement testing, including virtual test instructions.
Study Abroad Programs
Find out more about the faculty-led study abroad programs offered by the WLC Department
Study Abroad & Transfer Credits
Learn how to make your past or upcoming study abroad or transfer credits count toward your WLC degree
Bridge Programs
Learn more about our Bridge Programs, opportunities, careers, course requirements, and scholarships
Spring 2023 Course Descriptions |
No Language Background? |
Language Clubs |
Diversity and Equity Statement - The Department of World Languages and Cultures is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. |
CLICK HERE TO READ OUR FULL STATEMENT |
News
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Latino, Hispanic or Latinx? Which term should you use and how do Utahns feel about them?
KSL article discussing which term should be used.
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Faculty Feature with Tanya Flores
When parents discover their child is hard-of-hearing, they often are presented with two options. They can elect for hearing technology such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, allowing the child to hear and speak their native tongue or they can forego these technologies and teach them to communicate through American Sign Language (ASL). For the former option, some elementary schools offer assistance through Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) programs to help these children as they progress through school.
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A Global Partnership with Qatar Debate Center
The University of Utah’s College of Humanities has joined the Qatar Debate Center’s Arabic debate program to promote the culture of debate, open dialogue and enhance the Arabic language in the U.S. The U – in partnership with the Middle East Center and the John R. Park Debate Society – was one of the first U.S. universities to join the program.